'Wildcat strikers are bullying staff'

Postal managers today claim that staff who have refused to join wildcat strikes are being abused and even threatened when they arrive at work.

Depots in the capital are being policed by a few activists determined to frighten off staff trying to get to work, they claim.

Types of intimidation include verbal abuse towards those walking into work and records being made of the names of staff loading delivery vans.

One manager told the Evening Standard that some threats were subtle, while others were much more direct - leaving workers fearful of turning up for their shift.

"It is simply not true to say that there is no intimidation of staff going on. This is happening every day and it causes stress to those on the receiving end. Although it is only a tiny number of strikers who do it, many workers are now very frightened."

But the Communication Workers Union, which does not endorse the unofficial strikes, has dismissed the claims of intimidation as "absolute rubbish".

A spokesman said: "This is all untrue. The idea that good postmen become thugs in this way is ridiculous."

The row comes as the postal strikes that have swept across London enter their fifth day. More than 17,000 workers have gone on strike in a row over deliveries, pay and holiday.

According to one manager, who did not wish to be named, even those staff who manage to get into post depots unseen are having their number plates noted when they leave their vehicles in the staff car park, so that activists can work out who is inside.

Some staff have asked to be transferred to different areas so they can continue their work without being recognised.

Other managers across London claimed that cases of intimidation include:

Postmen having their delivery trolleys tampered with to disrupt their morning rounds

A missile thrown at staff and managers

One worker was told: "If you cross this line, I'm going to smash your face in"

Photographs taken of postmen as they load up their delivery vans in the morning

A postal worker turning up at one sorting office and entering the building as if to begin work, walking into the canteen and shouting: "What are you all doing here working when we are fighting for you outside"

Strikers running towards the incoming delivery vans in an attempt to stop them from dropping off letters. At the same time, managers have to sprint forward to encourage them to keep going.

Ongoing talks to resolve the situation have so far failed to reach a solution.